Hope for Oakley

Hello friends, family, and strangers alike,

As many of you know, my sister/ daughter
Arielle and her husband Joe became the lucky parents of precious Oakley Jo on September 10th, 2020.
Her birth was quite the adventure from the start: Arielle, Joe, and sister Ana, with the help of Joe's brother providing virtual support from Wisconsin, delivered Oakley in their home in South Korea all on their very own!

Unfortunately, The Dang family was quickly rocked with news of a medium to large sized hole in Oakley's heart that requires open-heart surgery.
This shocking news has brought about many additional unforeseen challenges
-Congenital Heart Defect 
-Ventricular Septal Defect.
After many hours with their medical care team, the Dangs learned that Oakley will need open-heart surgery, as soon as possible.

Although it can be a common procedure, in the midst of the pandemic, traveling back to the United States for the surgery is nearly impossible nor medically recommended. 
Being away from their home and families means these sweet and loving parents are trying to make sure both their girls are well cared for. 

Despite these challenges, Oakley is scheduled for surgery on December 15th and begins hospitalization on December 13th.
During that time, Arielle and Joe will be spending 100% of their time in the hospital with Oakley. 
Dr's are estimating a 10 day stay. 
The Dangs are looking at a $40,000 out-of-pocket that would be after their insurance covers a percentage. 

Under covid restrictions the only way Joe can remain wth his wife and daughter is if they stay in a pvt room. Their insurance does not cover any of that, they will only cover semi which would mean Arielle would be all alone without her husband's emotional support. Joe also needs to be near his baby and wife during this time.  No parent should have to endure this alone, especially in foreign country.  Arielle is not fluent in Korean which also poses a challenge. 
This very difficult time will also keep them away from their other young daughter Ana who will thankfully be staying in a loving home. 
We will be praying for Ana's stay to be as easy as possible,  she will be away from her parents for the first time and though she'll be in a good hands, it will be especially hard since communicating will be difficult since they don't speak English and she doesn't speak Korean. 

There will also be many follow up visits once released,  the Dang family lives over 2 hours away,  round-trip they'd be looking at almost 5 hours. They will need temp housing during those times.

There may be more unforeseen situations.


When Joe and Arielle chose Oakley’s name, they had in mind Isaiah 61:3 - “that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.”
So we pray that Oakley would flourish and grow to be a strong, beautiful woman who displays the righteousness of God.

We would like to ask you to pray

- That Oakley may have a safe, successful surgery and experience rapid recovery and complete healing.
- That Oakley feels a minimum of pain and experiences God the Father’s loving comfort
- That Arielle and Joe are able to make the best possible decisions regarding Oakley’s care as they consult with her medical team
- That Joe, Arielle and Ana experience God’s supernatural peace and encouragement
- That all of their practical and financial needs be met. 


2020 has been a turbulent year for us all, that's no question. Any and all support during this unimaginably difficult time for our family is appreciated.
Thank you all in advance for your generosity.
With love,
Alyssa Collado/ Cecilia Mercado auntie/ yiayia to Oakley and Ana